At the recent Leapoughs concert in
Dromore High School Hubert Greer, a member of Leapoughs Pipe
band for 50 years and the organiser for over 20 years of these
very successful annual concerts, was honoured for his
dedicated and long service.

Chairman Gareth Ingram outlined
Hubert's exemplary work in and for the band, and President
Will Humphries made a presentation in appreciation to him from
all the band members. A bouquet of flowers was also presented
to his wife Anne.

Two other men have also reached their
half-century of service, this time with Upper Crossgar Pipe
band.

Wilby Hanna and Derek Mack, two well-known figures on
the piping scene, received presentations at the annual open
night held recently by the band. Their wives - Anne and Sadie
- also received bouquets of flowers

Sgt Walker Memorial Pipe
band is holding a concert and 'Stew Dance' in the Bonte Lodge
Birches on Friday 22 March at 8pm.

Artists appearing at the
concert include the host band, Sgt White Flute Band, Syerla
Drum Corps, Alan McBride, Killeen Pipe band as well as a Drum
Majors Display team. Music is by Chapter 1 and admission is
£5. For tickets please contact Andrew Chambers 028 87 789457.

Pearl Percussion is holding a Promotion Night and Workshop in
Monkstown Community School on 22 March at 8pm.

There will
be exhibitions from the drum corps of Simon Fraser University
Pipe Band from Vancouver, and Ravara Pipe band. Admission is
free.

The following evening the full band of the Grade 1
World champions Simon Fraser will be appearing in concert at
the Waterfront Hall Belfast.

Helle Thorning-Schmidt, a Euro
MP who had proposed a new noise law to have bagpipes banned,
did a U-turn last week

After receiving hundreds of calls
from angry supporters, she withdrew her proposals.

She said
she was never against bagpipes and really enjoyed the music,
which was beautiful. But you could seriously damage your
health if you stood beside a piper for many hours.

Scots
Tory MEP Struan Stevenson, who backed the fight to save the
pipes, was delighted. He said the result was a victory for
common sense. Ian Embelton, the Chief Executive of the RSPBA
and Jimmy Banks of the Piping Centre in Glasgow, were also
celebrating the news.

New York, which will welcome 10,000
pipers to the Scottish Power sponsored Tunes of Glory parade
on 6 April, also sent their support.

Rudy Giuliani, former
New York mayor and honorary chieftain at the Tartan Day
parade, said: "The Scottish Power Tunes of Glory parade is
going to be a wonderful event. We are more than happy to
welcome bagpipes here.